Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by arianova
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
its a collection of 12 short stories about muslim women & their families of southern india (mostly karnataka region). the writing is simple but it cuts deep into tough stuff like patriarchy, faith, values, religion, and courage. some stories are quiet serious, others have little sprinkles of dry humour to soften the pain.
the best part is that the translation keeps a bit of kannada, urdu and arabic words, so it feels real and rooted.
translator added a note, on the regional vocabulary used. she ends the note with "By not italicising them, I hope the reader can come to these words without interference, and in the process of reading with the flow, perhaps even learn a new word or two in another language. Same goes for footnotes – there are none."
the best part is that the translation keeps a bit of kannada, urdu and arabic words, so it feels real and rooted.
translator added a note, on the regional vocabulary used. she ends the note with "By not italicising them, I hope the reader can come to these words without interference, and in the process of reading with the flow, perhaps even learn a new word or two in another language. Same goes for footnotes – there are none."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Abortion